Warm Up Game 1st Half:-
Good early run by Luke, ending just shy of Rushden’s line. Great Defensive tackle by Joe W to stop certain Rushden try. 1st try to Rushden after good defending by Biggy, followed by conversion.
Great kick off by Ben H into Rushden corner. Great attacking play by Biggy to drive over the line, just for the ball to be held up. Some good tackling by both Elliott and Ashton. Great drive from Aaron B to set up Callum to score try, conversion missed.
Half time score Rushden 7 Biggy 5
Coaches Comments at half time:-
Some great driving in the scrum by Biggy forwards, regularly winning ball against the put in. Some good mauling and rucking by the forwards, needed to focus on being first to the loose ball, setting over the ball in the ruck, driving the opposition off the grounded ball. The backs were well disciplined in both defence and attack. The backs needed to focus on getting the ball down the line to make the overlap and take the game away from the opposition forwards whose defensive play was very good.
Warm Up Game 2nd Half:-
Biggy score quick try from kick off by Ben H, followed by conversion by Ben H. Continued pressure from by Biggy leads to another try by Joe W, no conversion.
Biggy back on the attack and another try by Max after good running by Joe W, conversion by Ben H.
Final Run by Max offloaded to Luke who was just held up online.
Final score Rushden 7 Biggy 24
Coaches Comments at full time:-
The forwards had continued success in the scrum, vast improvement in the ruck, maul and loose ball. This enabled the forwards to be dominant in the second half, which combined with continued good discipline within the backs enabled opportunities for the backs to move the ball down the line resulting in try scoring opportunities. Job done.
Rushden Cup 1st Half
Tough start to the game, with some excellent running by Luke. Good tackling by all Biggy team to hold up Rushden on the line. Continued defence by Biggy to keep Rushden out. Rushden finally score try after period of intense pressure, followed by conversion.
Biggy back on attack after good kick off resulting in try for Max, converted by Ben H. Rushden almost immediately get a try back as Biggy lose focus and miss a number of tackles, followed by conversion. Aaron injured just before half time and replaced by Alex.
Half time score Rushden 14 Biggy 7
Coaches Comments at half time:-
Heads went down after Rushden second try. Team needed to stand tall, puff out their chests and take the game to Rushden, as we did in the first game. Forwards need to re-exert their superiority in the scrum, rucks and loose ball. Backs need to focus on crash defence, putting opposition backs under pressure and making tackles.
Rushden Cup 2nd Half:-
A quick try and conversion by Rushden after kick off. Rushden continue to press and run through a Biggy defence to score a try and conversion. Biggy start to fight back from the restart, leading to a try by John after lots of Biggy pressure.
Biggy start to turn the game around with try from Callum in the corner, keeping the pressure on Rushden. Great try by Jonah, running from the half way line, conversion by Ben H. Try saving tackle by Joe W at the end of the game.
Final score Rushden 28 Biggy 26
Coaches Comments at full time:-
Congratulations to Rushden for winning the cup game. A massive turn around in confidence resulted in some fantastic play in the last ten minutes by Biggy, with only the clock saving Rushden from defeat. Very pleased with the teams “never say die” attitude, which will hold the team in good stead over the long season. Grafter went to Joe W for excellent all round play and comittment. A proud day for the players, coaches and parents.
Thanks to Andrew Chappel for Match report.
Drew
